Very Anxious

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Morning all, 

I have avoided forums up till now as too scared to look at anything.

I was diagnosed with bowel cancer at the end of September, within 6 weeks was in having surgery, surgeon happy with how it all went, and that cancer was contained. So a good outcome, I am having precautionary chemo (Folfox) as they found 3 of my lymph nodes had some cancer but said it was a good result.

Had my first round of chemo a week and a half ago, I was absolutely terrified as I was given a long list of possible side effects, and it honestly wasn't awful.

My problem is I should be happy and grateful that all is progressing so well and so far a very good outcome, I however have spent nearly a week crying and unable to get that under control.

Didn't know if anyone else has experienced this? I am driving myself mad x

  • I understand how you’ve are feeling. I was diagnosed in April came completely out of the blue. There is a lot to take in what with various scans biopsies and the treatment plan. I think your body goes into overdrive to get things sorted  then when things have sort of calmed down the tears start. It’s a reaction let it happen better to be out then in. I would start crying if I was in the shower or making a meal they would just flow. I told myself not to be stupid. But soon realised it was a release.

    don’t beat yourself up cry if you want you.

    hope all goes well for you sending you hugs xx

  • Thank you for replying Slight smile

    It is very overwhelming.  Did you get to a stage where the crying got less?x

  • Yes the crying did get less . I think it’s only natural to cry let it out is the best way.

    I also think it’s the unknown as well, and the mind goes into overdrive and that tension has to go somewhere

    take care and be kind to yourself cry if you want, it’s only natural

  • I so remember those strange alien feelings following my Op. back in '19. Unlike you, I didn't cry, I just remember feeling so numb.

    I think that being diagnosed in itself is a very traumatic experience, that we don't fully take on board at the time.

    Then after the major Op. when all looks hopeful & clear - we think we should feel elated & positive. However, it doesn't happen as easily as that. We have to then deal with the mental scars of the diagnosis - which we all deal with in various ways. Crying I think is good & positive!

    I reached out for an hours' counselling from my hospital, after a few months, & when she asked me would I like them regularly, I realised I had no need to. I just needed some form of affirmation.

    It took me about three months, till I could adjust with the mental trauma of it all.

    Wishing you the best

    Marianne

  • Thank you Marianne.

    I have had 1 session with McMillan counsellor, did feel a bit better but feelings came back within a few hours.

    Thank you for sharing your experience, it does help to hear what others have felt.

    I hope all is well with you now x

  • Thank you Smileymo x

  • Hi RL2374

    I'm about 2 months ahead of you in this journey. It sure is a rollercoaster.

    My advise: try to ditch the "i should" moments and see if you can switch them "i feel", "i would like", "i need", etc.

    May sound daft, but nudging yourself from self criticism to acknowledgement and positive way forward may help the tears reduce and give you more strength.

    Maybe worth a try?

    And the Macmillan helpline is also a great resource to talk things though.

    All the best, and we're also here for you if you want us

  • Thank you, that is helpful. 

    It's good to hear others advice and things that have helped.

    I nearly phoned the McMillan helpline the other day. 

    I have really found the comments on my thread really supportive and helpful, helps me feel not so alone.  Hopefully I will be able to be of support to others